Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Marc MacSharry has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 14 be taken before No. 1, to allow him to introduce the Bill. I have no problem in accepting the amendment.

Yesterday many Members of the House welcomed the announcement of the review and restoration of medical cards. Regardless of whether it is a U-turn, discretionary medical cards will be restored. This will be particularly welcomed by the families who lost their medical cards. The Government approved the method by which discretionary medical cards could be returned to persons with serious medical conditions who had lost them after completing an eligibility review. The decision covers the period from 1 July 2011 to 31 May 2014. The Cabinet has agreed a method that paves the way for the return of medical cards by the Health Service Executive which does not involve changing the law. Accordingly, the decision to return such medical cards can be implemented within a matter of weeks through actions taken by the HSE. In recent weeks the Government decided to formulate a new policy whereby eligibility for health services could take account of medical conditions, in addition to the existing basis of financial means.

The expert committee has been formed. I accept Senator Darragh O'Brien's point that there is not a nurse in sight in the expert review and it is something I will bring to the attention of the Minister. As to who will get their medical card backs, the HSE will restore them to people who held a medical card or a GP visit card issued on a discretionary basis to a person with a serious medical condition and who lost it having completed an eligibility review between 1 July 2011 and 31 May 2014. A person must have held a medical or a GP visit card, issued on a discretionary basis, during that period and had it withdrawn on foot of a completed eligibility review. He or she must have completed the review process during that period, that is, provided the information and documentation required to assess his or her eligibility, and must have a serious medical condition which required that their case be referred to a medical officer as part of the review process. It is anticipated that in excess of 15,000 medical cards will be restored to persons with serious medical conditions as part of the process. I hope this will be of assistance to Members. That said, I will ask the Minister to come to the House to outline the position. However, I have shared the explanation I have been given with the House.

Senator Ivana Bacik spoke about the efforts to assist students after the collapse of several private English language schools. They are to be welcomed. I also welcome her comments on the child and family relationship Bill which will be brought before the House in due course.

Senator Sean D. Barrett welcomed the provision of direct flights between Dublin and St. John's, Newfoundland and the excellent response of the public. There has been a 90% seat occupancy rate in the first couple of months which will be of tremendous benefit to tourism. As the Senator pointed out, there are strong links between my area of Waterford and the south east and St. John's. I have not visited Newfoundland, but I understand a person will have inflicted on him or her accents like my own on every street.

Senators Terry Brennan and Jim D'Arcy welcomed the wonderful announcement by PayPal of 400 extra jobs in Dundalk.